BILL NUMBER: ACR 117	CHAPTERED  08/22/00

	RESOLUTION CHAPTER   109
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE   AUGUST 22, 2000
	ADOPTED IN SENATE   AUGUST 18, 2000
	ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY   JULY 6, 2000

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Machado

                        JANUARY 26, 2000

   Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 117--Relative to Neighborhood
Watch Month.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   ACR 117, Machado.  Neighborhood Watch Month.
   This measure would designate the month of August 2000 as
Neighborhood Watch Month.




   WHEREAS, California's communities recognize Neighborhood Watch as
an effective means of keeping crime out of neighborhoods; and
   WHEREAS, Neighbors and law enforcement agencies can work together
to create an effective crimefighting team; and
   WHEREAS, Approximately one residential burglary occurs every two
minutes in the State of California; and
   WHEREAS, The United States Attorney General has warned that
juvenile crime arrests will more than double by the year 2010; and
   WHEREAS, Much remains to be done to ensure the safety of our
homes, our neighborhoods, and our communities for ourselves and our
children; and
   WHEREAS, The battle against crime will not be won by individuals
acting alone; and
   WHEREAS, Neighborhood Watch teaches children respect for the law,
reinforces community values, and encourages the kind of individual
responsibility that makes for healthy, creative neighborhoods
populated by safer and happier citizens; and
   WHEREAS, Neighborhood Watch programs put neighbors on guard for
criminal activity that may occur near their homes, encourage the
reporting of suspicious activity to the police, and provide escorts
for elderly or vulnerable citizens; and
   WHEREAS, The growth of Neighborhood Watch programs is truly
encouraging; and
   WHEREAS, Neighborhood Watch programs play a significant role and
encompass a broad range of activities in making neighborhoods safe;
and
   WHEREAS, Because of the significance and scope of Neighborhood
Watch programs in making neighborhoods safe, it is important that the
State of California recognize the many contributions of the
residents of this state and of law enforcement officers; now,
therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the month of August 2000 be declared
Neighborhood Watch Month; and be it further
   Resolved, That on the occasion of Neighborhood Watch Month, the
Legislature of the State of California commends those California
residents who have participated in Neighborhood Watch programs for
their distinguished service to their communities by uniting their
neighbors and law enforcement to keep their neighborhoods safe, and
encourages all Californians to join in this effective means of
fighting crime in their neighborhoods.
